Answers to Liposuction Questions

Everyone, even elite athletes, has pockets of fat that are as stubborn as your mother-in-law. These pockets don’t budge, no matter how much you change your diet or exercise. That probably explains why liposuction has become the second most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States — it’s the procedure that can make those pockets go away. Since Dr. Turk performs many liposuction procedures here in Naples, we thought we’d answer some common questions about the procedure that we hear from our patients.Will the fat cells grow back after liposuction? The fat cells that Dr. Turk suctions away with liposuction are permanently removed and they can’t come back. However, if the patient then proceeds to gain a significant amount of weight, say 10% of his or her body weight, then new fat cells can develop. This can include areas previously treated with liposuction. But if the patient doesn’t gain weight the new contour is permanent.If I gain weight does the fat come back to the treated areas? Fat usually doesn’t return in the treated areas provided the patient doesn’t gain a significant amount of weight. Lesser weight gains will have fat that accumulates in untreated areas.What if I get pregnant after liposuction?

Pregnancy does not permanently alter the results of liposuction. If the woman has liposuction and subsequently becomes pregnant, gains weight, gives birth and loses the excess weight from pregnancy, then her original liposuction improvements will return, as if she had never been pregnant.How many pounds of fat can be removed?

There is a limit to the amount of fat that can be safely removed in a single liposuction procedure. The maximum amount of fat that can be removed safely is about 6 to 8 pounds. If more than 6 to 8 pounds of fat needs to be removed, it is safest to divide the liposuction into separate surgical procedures each separated by 3 to 4 weeks.How long will it take to see results? Most patients will see 90 percent of their ultimate liposuction results within one to three months after surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery there will be postoperative swelling. The technique used dictates the duration of the swelling.Will liposuction help my cellulite? No. Cellulite does not improve after liposuction. Liposuction improves body contour, not skin texture. Have more questions about liposuction? Call the team at Naples Cosmetic Surgery, 239-348-4357.